What are the penalties for driving on the highway with a newly obtained driver's license?
4 Answers
Legally, a motor vehicle driver during the probationary period must be accompanied by an experienced driver with at least three years of driving experience in the corresponding vehicle type when driving on the highway. If caught driving alone on the highway during the probationary period, no points will be deducted, but a fine will be imposed, and the driver will be ordered to exit the highway at the nearest exit. If preparing to enter the highway, the driver will be educated and advised to turn back. Here are the relevant regulations: 1. During the probationary period, motor vehicle drivers are prohibited from driving buses, commercial passenger vehicles, police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, engineering rescue vehicles, or vehicles carrying explosives, flammable and explosive chemicals, highly toxic or radioactive materials, and other hazardous substances. Additionally, the driven motor vehicle must not tow a trailer. 2. When driving on the highway during the probationary period, the driver must be accompanied by a licensed driver with at least three years of experience in the corresponding or higher vehicle class. For drivers of small automatic transmission vehicles specially designed for the disabled, the accompanying driver must hold a license for small automatic transmission passenger vehicles or higher. 3. During the probationary period after adding a new vehicle class to the license, driving a motor vehicle of the originally licensed class is not subject to the above restrictions.
When I first got my driver's license, my friends always advised me not to drive on the highway right away. I later understood this regulation. The probation period is usually 12 months, and driving alone on the highway during this time can result in a fine of 200 yuan plus 6 demerit points. This is no small matter—speeds are high on the highway, and new drivers can easily panic. If you rear-end someone or cause an accident while changing lanes, the insurance company might even deny coverage. I've personally seen people sneaking onto the highway only to be stopped by the police, facing not just fines and demerit points but also complications when renewing their license later. Take my advice: find an experienced driver with at least three years of experience to accompany you a few times, and get familiar with highway conditions before driving alone. Save that fine money and practice more on city roads—safety comes first. Once the probation period is over, you’ll have free access, so don’t rush it.
New drivers should never risk driving on the highway. As a former novice myself, driving alone during the probationary period can result in a fine of 200 yuan and 6 penalty points. This regulation makes sense—highway conditions are complex, and new drivers often lack the ability to react quickly, which can lead to major accidents. I’ve checked the traffic laws: a passenger with over three years of driving experience must accompany you, otherwise, it’s not just about monetary loss—the police may even temporarily suspend your license. I remember one rainy day when I considered taking a shortcut onto the highway, but a friend stopped me in time—otherwise, it could have ended badly. My advice is to practice first in urban-rural areas, focusing on speed control and maintaining safe following distances, and only challenge the highway after a full year of experience. Never overlook safety details.
Driving on the highway during the probationary period without a qualified accompanying driver is a violation, punishable by a 200-yuan fine and 6 demerit points. As a driver with over a decade of experience, I think this penalty is well-designed to protect novice drivers and public safety. Highway driving differs significantly from regular streets—higher speeds and more challenging lane changes make it riskier for inexperienced drivers. The law requires a companion with at least three years of driving experience to provide guidance. The fine and demerit points are relatively lenient; in severe cases, the license could be revoked. I advise new drivers to practice fundamental skills more and avoid taking such risks.
